Pedicabs are a common way to get around cities like San Diego, San Francisco, San Antonio and New York City, and now they may be coming to Hollywood through a proposal by Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District.

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge has revived a proposal to study the feasibility of pedicabs in the city. (photo by Ali Horiz)

Pedicabs are pedal-driven carriages with a bicycle in front and a seat or compartment to the rear, where passengers sit. The idea of allowing pedicabs to operate in Hollywood was first considered in 2012 at the request of then-Councilman Eric Garcetti, but the idea never gained traction. LaBonge recently revived the idea, and has called for a study to see if they would be a safe and viable transportation alternative in Hollywood and other areas of the city. If the results are positive, the city will consider creating a pilot program where the pedicabs would operate in Hollywood and San Pedro.

“It’s just at the beginning,” LaBonge said. “I know Hollywood is where we are looking at it, and I would support it on the Yucca Corridor and Selma Avenue Corridor, where they could spin up to some of the attractions [on Hollywood Boulevard].”

Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, said he is concerned about safety with pedicabs, but is open to studying whether they could operate in Hollywood.

“It’s not unlike when they introduced carriages driven by horses. They are going to work in certain neighborhoods and not in others,” O’Farrell said. “It all depends on traffic safety to me. I would have to be convinced there are adequate traffic measures in place. They are fun and interesting, and I definitely support looking into it.”

The idea is currently being studied by the city’s Taxicab Administrator’s Office, and a report to the city council is due back in late March or early April.